Weddingbee Blog

After our recessional, we snuck back into the church so that everyone could sign the marriage license! We also had asked the best man to bring envelopes with money to pay the musicians, but he, of course, forgot them. So Mr. CA had to explain to them that we were, indeed, honest and trustworthy people, we were not trying to swindle them, and we would drop the money off at the parish hall the next day. Thankfully, they were very understanding, we left the money at the hall the next day just like we promised, and it all worked out fine. Whew! Another crisis averted.

Fr. John, always thinking about the photography, had us sign everything right up on the altar so that we would get good light for the photographs. He also draped my bouquet artfully next to the certificate. He should be a wedding planner!

After signing (and explaining to the poor vocalist and pianist that we would get their payment to them the next day), we exited the church again, only to find that people had waited around to clap as we came out. It was great!

We were, of course, on top of the world at that point. Since I wanted to get to the cocktail hour, though, I was all business, and started shouting out commands to people that would need to be in pictures. Thankfully, Sarah took over and rallied everyone together.

We had a bit of a list of formal portraits that we wanted taken, but since everyone was just sort of standing around, and Sarah knew what she was doing, they went pretty quickly. “Groom’s family!” Smoosh together. Smile. Click! Done. Easy peasy.

I love having this picture because it is my entire maternal side of the family, aside from my grandparents (who were with me in the form of their rings on my bouquet). I loved having everyone together, and it is always nice to have formal shots of everyone!

And my dad and stepmom’s side. Ha. I love seeing who was closing their eyes during the shot.

We did the big group shots first so that when people were done they could head right on over to the Club for cocktail hour. We didn’t want anyone to miss a moment’s worth of booze if they didn’t have to!

Cousins on my dad’s side. More closed eyes!

Mr. CA’s family. Even more closed eyes. I think when some people hear “cheese!” they automatically blink.

My new family!

Love them so much. It is particularly nice since I am currently the only daughter. I better enjoy it while it lasts!

My new parents

I always thought Mr. CA looked exactly like his mom, but looking at this picture made me see how similar Mr. CA and his dad’s smiles are. Am I the only weirdo who loves looking at family resemblances??

All of the parental units. I think everyone was getting a little picture-tired at this point. Can we go get drinks yet??

The siblings

Speaking of family resemblances, I don’t think that my sister and I look anything alike, but some people think we look like twins. I, however, think that Mr. CA looks exactly like his brothers, particularly the youngest.

Ha. Mr. CA was totally over pictures at this point. He is looking off into the distance, dreaming of beer. My dad is just loving these pictures. My sister is saying “Do I have to keep standing on the grass in these heels??”

And lastly, a shot with my mama. Our smiles are especially big because it was time to go to cocktail hour! YAY!

Did your formal family pictures take a while after the ceremony, or were they relatively short and sweet? Were you (or someone else you put in charge) able to rally the family members fairly easily, or did you have to go searching for certain wayward guests? Do you resemble certain members of your family, or do you look like a mish-mash (like me)?

• Recaps commenced. Sort of.
• I got over my dress regret.
• We made it official. Legally.
• I stressed out big time.
• We did some last-minute prep.
• We rehearsed.
• Our wedding day arrived!
• The little details fell into place.
• I got all gussied up.
• The guys got ready.
• We had a first look.
• Mr. CA and I took “formal” portraits.
• We took pictures on a dock.
• After some mishaps, we made it to the church.
• We walked down the aisle.
• We said our vows. Voila! Married.

**All photography by Sarah Rhoads Photography unless otherwise noted**